The Devil's Advocate is a restaurant in Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Rated 4.5 stars from 5083 Google reviews. Known for whisky programme and flights and cocktails and bartender knowledge. Best for whisky flights and date night. Price range: €€€.
The Devil's Advocate is rated 4.5★ on Google (5,083 reviews) and 4.2★ on TripAdvisor (1,960 reviews) — a consistent rating across both platforms.
Rankings updated June 2026
The Devil's Advocate
| Rating | 4.5★ |
| Reviews | 5,083 |
| Best for | Whisky flights |
Consistently rated across Google and TripAdvisor
7,043 reviews across two platforms
Quick Verdict
A lively, atmospheric Old Town hideaway where whisky flights and superbly made cocktails pair with adventurous Scottish food—book ahead.
You want to taste a carefully curated whisky flight guided by knowledgeable staff in an atmospheric, off-the-beaten-path setting.
About The Devil's Advocate
The Devil's Advocate occupies a storied nook in Advocate's Close, steps from the Royal Mile yet hidden enough to feel like a genuine discovery. The narrow close approach sets the tone—atmospheric stone walls and Old Town mystery—before you arrive at a venue that thrives on lively energy and careful craft. The whisky programme is a standout: flights are expertly guided by staff who articulate the nuances between drams and welcome swaps mid-tasting. Cocktails are superbly made, from the Clean Slate to cosmopolitans, with bartenders who understand flavour profiles and can surprise with their knowledge. Food leans Scottish and adventurous—venison, pork chop, fish and chips executed without grease, meat platters well-stocked—and portions are generous enough to share. The space itself is intimate and vibrant, heated outdoor patio included, though it fills quickly and reservations are essential. Service tends toward attentive when the kitchen isn't overwhelmed. Dog-friendly, and priced fairly for the calibre of drink and plate.
In the last 90 days, The Devil's Advocate has drawn 37 substantial written reviews (50+ characters of genuine feedback) — recent momentum that is one of the signals behind its place on the hot list.
What Stands Out
Whisky programme and flights
Multiple reviews highlight phenomenal whiskey flights with bartenders who explain differences between drams and facilitate swaps; one reviewer called it 'my happy place' for whisky.
Cocktails and bartender knowledge
Consistently praised as superbly made with staff who understand flavour profiles and can recommend based on taste; reviewers note bartenders' command of the cocktail menu and ability to surprise with their understanding.
Atmospheric location and vibe
Described as a hidden gem in Advocate's Close with an atmospheric approach through historic stone walls; reviewers praise the lively, cozy, vibrant atmosphere and note the outdoor heated patio is a unique feature in Edinburgh.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about The Devil's Advocate
Yes—the venue fills quickly, especially around 7pm. Reservations are essential, particularly for dinner. Walk-ins may face waits or be offered outdoor seating if available.
The Devil's Advocate offers curated whisky flights (typically 5 drams) with knowledgeable bartenders who explain the differences between each pour and allow you to swap selections mid-flight.
Yes, there's a heated outdoor patio—a rare feature in Edinburgh—making it comfortable for evening drinks even in cooler weather.
Whisky flights and cocktails are standouts. Food highlights include Scottish venison, pork chop, fish and chips, and shared meat platters—all well-executed and generously portioned.
Yes, dogs are welcome, making it a good choice for a casual drink with a pet.
Also in Grassmarket
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How We Rank Venues
Rankings are recalculated monthly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this month.
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